Yesterday at 10 am the SoWA Open Market began its eighth season, and although there was a chill in the air the market was buzzing. The SoWA Open Market, is actually three markets in one. There's the farmer's market, the crafts market and the vintage market, and should you get hungry there are food trucks waiting to satiate your hunger, quench your thirst, or warm you up with a hot cup of coffee. The SoWA Open Market takes place each Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, May 1st through October 30th. The SoWA Vintage Market which is housed in an adjacent building, runs through December 18.
For resident's of Boston's South End the SoWA Open Market is a sure sign that spring has arrived. Its the place to go each Sunday for a loaf or two of unique bread from When Pigs Fly, or gorgeous lilies to fill the empty vase sitting on your side board. Haven't had breakfast yet? There's plenty to tempt you from coffee and pastry at the Mohr McPherson cafe to coffee and pastries from various local bakers like Danish Pastry House. This week vegan treats were available from Trizmo. If you wanted brownies instead, Yummy Mummy Brownies was there to satisfy your cravings, and for cookies you couldn't go wrong with the Edge-of-Mug Cookies from Bittersweet.
Thinking about dinner instead of breakfast, then you're in luck. Although market participants vary from week to week, yesterday you could've bought meat and poultry CSAs from John Crow Farm, locally handcrafted pasta from Nella Pasta, and pasta imported from Italy by Pure Italian LLC. Add in herbs from The Herb Lyceum at Gilson's, honey from Golden Rule Honey, BBQ marinades from Burnin’ Love Sauces, and you have the beginnings of a wonderful meal. Its important to note that if you plan on making purchases at the farmer's market you should bring cash and/or an ATM card as many of these vendors do not take credit cards.
Over on Thayer Street in the craft market there were artisans selling hand made soaps in many shapes, sizes and scents. Jewelry is always very popular, and there were handmade garments for women, children and men. Two of my favorites from this past weekend were the recycled sail cloth totes from Hoist Away Bags, and the scarves made from menswear fabrics created by Margo Petitti. Also for children were handmade toys some plush like those from Zooguu and Diane Koss, and illustrations by Eric Sturtevant and Brian Gubicza. If you're looking for unique items for your home the market offers modern handcrafted furniture from furniture makers like Michael B. Tobin, pottery, hand blown glass vases, bowls and drinking glasses from glass blowers like Chris Giordano, handmade pillows from Silk Rootz, jarabas and Park. If goods from times gone by are more your style, then check out the vintage market with its variety of costume jewelry, table top goods and refinished furniture.
Ever since last year's Food Truck Festival, food trucks have provided lunch and snacks for SoWA market visitors. On opening day Lincoln Street Coffee returned to the market along with Boston Speeds famous Hot Dog Wagon, The Cupcakory, and Clover. New to the market were Bon Me, and Grilled Cheese Nation. Bon Me serves Vietnamese style food as well as local fare, while Grilled Cheese Nation offers gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
My strategy for the SoWA market is to skip breakfast and head over to the farmer's market for coffee and sinful treats. Then purchase floers, bread and other provisions for my pantry. Next its off to the craft market next door to check out the wonderful creations offered by the mostly local artisans. At lunch time its time to try something different from one of the food trucks, and then check out the vintage market which sits in the building between the farmer's market and the craft market. Finally if there's still time and I have the energy, I go into the stores along Thayer street and/or the artists' studios that are open for the day.
Comments